March 17 is a very special day in the year everywhere there is an Irish population. It's not only the National Day of Ireland, but it's also the feast day of Patrick, Ireland's national saint. In Ireland itself, as well as in hundreds of cities in the United States, Saint Patrick's Day is celebrated with much fanfare. Pubs serve green beer, people wear green clothing, and everywhere you can see jewelry and other items patterned after symbols and figures reminiscent of Irish culture and customs.



Irish-themed jewelry is unquestionably appropriate to wear during Saint Patrick's Day. Jewelers carry all sorts of items shaped like shamrocks, Celtic crosses, leprechauns, and images of the saint himself. Saint Patrick is credited with bringing Christianity to Ireland and, as legend has it, he drove all the snakes away -- so now there is no snake to be found in all of Ireland. Gold pendants and medals bearing the image of the saint are very popular among the Irish and those of Irish descent who are living in other countries.

The versatility of gold lends itself well to jewelry design. Items can be made of purely gold or use gold as a backdrop to more eye-catching gems such as diamonds and emeralds. Actor Colin Farrell, himself a son of Ireland, is known for his trademark gold jewelry. He has even dabbled in jewelry design himself, creating a pendant to help raise funds for charity at the 2005 Respect Ball.

Emeralds are particularly popular stones in Saint Patrick's Day jewelry. The color is reminiscent of Ireland, which is also known as the Emerald Isle. Perhaps this is why many couples who get married during the time near Saint Patrick's Day like having their wedding rings inlaid with diamonds and emeralds -- especially those with Irish blood running in their veins.

Claddagh jewelry comes in many variations and forms. Claddagh refers to a place near Galway Bay in Ireland, which was romanticized by many 19th century writers. Claddagh rings, earrings, bracelets, and other pieces of jewelry usually feature a crown. The Claddagh ring or friendship ring has a tradition associated with it. If you wear it on a finger on your left hand, you're saying that your heart already belongs to someone else. But if you're wearing it on your right hand, it means you're on the lookout for love.

Of course, there are pieces of jewelry that are specific to men and women. Wearing a pair of shamrock gold or diamond cufflinks is a nice and discreet way to celebrate Saint Patrick's Day at a formal dinner. Women can wear charming claddagh bangles or anklets during the special day. Many jewelers also offer bracelets for children, which are adorned with shamrock and leprechaun charms.

There's a saying that everyone's Irish on Saint Patrick's Day. Maybe by wearing Irish-themed jewelry during the day, you can even have some of the luck o' the Irish rub off on you!